Hokies to try to end four game skid against No. 14 jacksonville

Topher Wagner

March 20, 2021

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Following their third straight loss, No. 24 Virginia Tech aims to break its losing skid as it hosts No. 14 Jacksonville on Saturday.

After losing in blowout fashion to No. 1 North Carolina following its Covid break, Tech looked to rebound in a road matchup against Davidson on Wednesday. Unfortunately for the Hokies, defensive struggles continued to plague Tech as it fell 15-8.

Despite outshooting the Wildcats 27-24, an early 9-3 deficit in the first half doomed Tech as it was never able to close the gap in the loss. The Hokies will have to do a better job of converting their offensive opportunities to avoid dropping a fourth straight game.

For Jacksonville, the start to its season has been much different from Tech’s as the Dolphins have started 3-0 including a tight, one-goal win over No. 5 ranked Florida. As it climbed up to No. 14 in the national standings this week, the struggling Hokies’ defense presents a great matchup for Jacksonville.

Virginia Tech will have to neutralize a Jacksonville attack that has put up double-digit goals in each of its first three games.

Saturday marks the first matchup between the two squads. A win by either would go a long way in strengthening either side’s non-conference schedule this season.

Virginia Tech Key to the Game: Tighten up on Defense

Despite outshooting Davidson for much of the last game, the Hokies fell because of an inability to stop big plays from the Wildcats in crunch time. Tech only had a single save in the second half as Davidson pulled away with the win.

The Hokies will have to buckle down on defense down the stretch against Jacksonville as a similar performance would doom Tech.

Jacksonville Key to the Game: Close out down the stretch

The Dolphins have thrived in their first three contests this season, winning in tight games in each of their matchups including 12-11 in their win over Florida. However, even though Jacksonville won in close fashion, it ceded four straight goals to the Gators in the second half and nearly blew the game.

Facing a Hokies squad that has played better in the second half this season, Jacksonville will need to close out late to prevent getting upset.

Virginia Tech Player to Watch: Paige Petty

One of the brightest spots for the Hokies this year has been the dominance of Petty. The senior has followed up a phenomenal 2020 season with a great start to her final year.

Petty returned against Davidson following her absence versus North Carolina, putting up two goals and five shots on goal in the process in Tech’s losing effort. To get back in the win column against the Dolphins, Petty will have to be at her best.

Jacksonville Player to Watch: Sarah Elms

Elms has been fantastic to start the season as she has put up 10 goals and has become one of the most consistent scorers for Jacksonville. In the win over Florida, Elms had three goals and an assist on five shots.

To keep the Dolphins winning streak alive, Elms will have to come out strong again.

Score Prediction: Jacksonville 14, Virginia Tech 12

Over the last couple of games, the Dolphins have won each of their games by razor thin margins propelled by an explosive offensive attack. While its defense has been susceptible to scoring outbursts as well, Jacksonville has had too much firepower for its opponents to keep up.

For Tech, it has lost three straight games because of an inability to convert its offensive opportunities and sloppy defensive play. While the Hokies should continue to improve after their covid break, the Dolphins offense has been on fire as of late. Tech won’t be able to keep up as it falls, 14-12.